Italy has been making wines for over three thousand years. With more than twenty regions producing wine, Italy has a reputation for many quality, diverse wines. Some of the most well-known regions are Piedmont, Veneto and Tuscany. Many people regard Italian wines as some of the finest varietals available. It can be difficult to decide which wine is best. As with most wine, the more expensive and higher-quality ones are often allowed to age for years. While white wine is also produced, many of the Best Italian Wines are red.
The Piedmont region is home to the Nebbiolo grape and makes some of the best red wines in Italy. These wines have a high content of alcohol and are full-bodied. One of the best-known Piedmont wines is Barolo. Barolo is very complex and should age between ten and twenty years to mature fully. It has a lot of tannins, and it is dry and full.
Veneto is one of the largest wine-producing regions in Italy and is home to the Corvina grape. It creates wines like Bardolino and Soave. Veneto is also the only place where Amarone wine is produced. Amarone is a dry, slightly sweet wine. It is best consumed with strong cheeses or savory food.
Tuscany is perhaps the most well-known region of Italy. The Sangiovese grape is grown here and used in many of the Best Italian Wines. One of Italy’s most recognizable wines, Chianti, is produced in this region. Chianti has to be made of at least 80% Sangiovese. There are three tiers of Chianti: Chianti, Chianti Classico and Chianti Classico Riserva. Classico must be made in the actual Chianti district, and Riserva must be made in the district and also aged for over two years. Chianti is a very dry red wine, with medium body and some tannins. The popular wines Brunello and Vino Nobile are also made from the Sangiovese grape.
The right wine can improve any situation. Italy produces so many excellent wines that it can be overwhelming to choose. With such a long history of wine-making, Italy offers a huge selection of variety and flavor. By focusing on some of Italy’s most reputable wines, it is possible to learn about the varietals and what makes a wine better than others. Visit Towne Cellars Wines & Liquors Inc. to find some of the best wines Italy has to offer!
